The tradition is back.

This weekend kicks off the first annual co-ed softball tournament in Aurora to benefit the Special Olympics. After a year off, of play Southern Cayuga varsity softball coach Dave Hewitt and Mike Murray decided to bring the event back.

“It started 25 years again by Jim Orman,” Hewitt said. “He was the county treasurer and decided to start this softball up in honor of his father.”

In the past, the tournament has been separated into two fields, one for boys and one for girls. But not this year.

“We agreed to just combine the two into one,” Hewitt said. “Then we got the co-ed tournament. For the first year of the tournament, we got 13 teams to sign up and play.”

With proceeds going to charity, the score of the games isn't all that important.

“It's just a lot of fun and nice competition,” Moravia's Jim Stanton said. “I definitely will play again next year in this tournament.”

On Friday, Matt Schulz, a Special Olympics participant, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

“That kid came up and tossed a perfect strike down the middle,” Hewitt said. “It just makes you think how nice it would be to play with half the heart that they play with. Whatever sport they participate in they are giving it their all. It's just really special.”

Murray is a part of the Special Olympics committee in New York, the state with the highest number of participants in over 46,000.

Murray will also be helping out at the Fire Truck Pull that will benefit the Special Olympics and will be held on July 26 at Casey Park.

“It's a really nice benefit at Casey,' Murray said. “The Auburn Doubledays get involved and after the pull we head over to the ballpark and get a few kids to toss out the ceremonial first pitch.”

As for the softball tournament, the only requirement is to have a good time.

“It doesn't matter the outcome of the game,” Hewitt said. “The only thing that matters is the amount of fun they have. It's nice though to see it's turned into a little more of a family affair. I've seen a lot of parents playing with their kids and it's nice to see.”

The tournament includes a home run derby for the women and children Saturday night and today, there will be a three-inning ballgame for the Special Olympics participants.

“It's a good cause and we are very privileged to go out and give to them,” Hewitt said.

Hewitt and Murray didn't even need to think when asked if there would be another co-ed tournament next year.

“Without a doubt,” Murray said. “Just hope to make it better as the years go on.”